Grygla – Ida Nancy Stanley, 91, of Grygla, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Lakehouse Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis with her loving daughter Gwen by her side.
She was born at home, ten miles northeast of Fourtown. Ida was the second oldest of fourteen children to Thomas and Hazel Smith. She graduated from Goodridge High School in 1951 and went on to earn her teaching certificate. She taught school in Devils Lake, ND, and then worked as a bookkeeper in Devils Lake and for the Grygla Creamery. She continued to use her bookkeeping skills for the farm business records.
Ida married Arnold Stanley on December 14, 1954. Together, they built a loving home filled with excellent meals and mealtime conversation.
She was a devoted mother to Todd (Debra) Stanley of Grygla, Gwen Stanley of Brooklyn Park, Jeffrey Stanley (deceased), Brian (Bonnie) Stanley of Grygla, Trent (Marilyn) Stanley of Goodridge, and Alison Caldwell of Mounds View, and was a proud grandmother to William (aka Bill) Stanley, Kathyrn Stanley, Tylor Stanley, Linzee Loerzel, Anthony (Chelsea) Stanley, Mitchell (Kelsey) Stanley, Justin Stanley, Brandon Stanley, Myesha Caldwell, Gabriele Caldwell, and Nigel Caldwell.
She was great-grandmother to Luke Stanley, Jace Stanley, Claire Stanley, Cameron Stanley, Ahna Stanley, Blake Stanley, Casen (Cami) Jewel, Ryelin Stanley, Piper Stanley, Maverick Stanley, Madyson Stanley, Emma Stanley, Bauer Stanley, Malik Hudspeth Jr (aka MJ), Aubriella Clay, and Nova Clay, and great-great grandmother to Finley Jewell.
Ida will be remembered for her willingness to do anything for her family. She had a passion for gardening, cooking (especially her jams and homemade bread), blueberry picking, birdwatching, and playing rummy with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ida was an active member of the Grygla community with active participation in the Ladies Aid and the Grace Lutheran quilting group. Ida also served as the treasurer for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for many years. Many will remember her for the cinnamon rolls she provided at the blood bank draws in Grygla. Ida was also a fixture for many years at Charger basketball games.
Ida is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild, five of her siblings: Eleanor (Kenneth) Carlson, Dean Smith, Duane (Bettye) Smith, Ralph (Pamela) Smith, Kaye (Dale Shorty) Wilkins and Donna Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arnold M. Stanley; her parents, Thomas R. and Hazel M. Smith; her son, Jeffrey Stanley; her sister-in-law, Donna (Gordon) Jelle; and seven of her siblings: Bernice (Selmer) Askeland, William (Irene) Smith, Helen (Cletus) Rein, Roger Smith, Marlene Pat Schramske, Ronald Smith, and infant brother.
Visitation and a prayer service will be held from 6 –8 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
The funeral will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.
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Ida Stanley, 91
